The Lindenwood University athletics department announced that Jen Kesler will officially take over as the second head coach in the history of the Lady Lions gymnastics program. Kesler spent the inaugural season as a graduate assistant coach for the Lady Lions, helping lead the team to its first national champion in Rachel Zabawa at USAG Nationals.
 
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and I am so excited to continue to be a part of this program. Working with these girls this year has been a privilege,” said Kesler. “I am thrilled to continue to build on the tradition that this team has set in its inaugural season. These girls have so much potential and I know with the addition of the incoming freshman class and a full staff that this program will go places.”
 
Just a few months into her time at Lindenwood, Kesler played a key role in leading the Lady Lions through their inaugural season after the step down of the former head coach just one meet into the season. Kesler's squad qualified six gymnasts for the USAG Nationals with two of those qualifying for the individual finals. The squad finished fifth at the MIC Championships after setting a program record of 193.050. Three members of the squad earned all-conference honors at the MIC Championships.
 
“We are very happy to have Jen as the new head coach,” said John Creer, Director of Athletics. “Her outstanding background as a competitive collegiate gymnast and her energy and take charge experience she exhibited this past year provide the leadership and passion that is needed to be successful at Lindenwood.”
 
Kesler, a graduate of Oregon State University, was a three-time All-American for the Beavers, including first-team honors on the uneven bars after placing second at the NCAA Championships. At the 2008 NCAA West Regional, Kesler claimed the uneven bars title after scoring a career-high 9.95. She was also a two-time All-Pac-10 team member, including a first-team selection in 2009. That same season, Kesler was a co-champion on the uneven bars with her score of 9.90.
 
A native of Seattle, Wash., Kesler was a five-time Level 10 national champion and a four-time Junior Olympic National Team Member.
 
Kesler graduated from Oregon State with a degree in Merchandising Management in 2012. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in communications with an emphasis in promotions at Lindenwood.
 
“We believe that under Jen's capable direction, the gymnastics program will continue to have a very positive impact on the lives of the student-athletes by teaching them valuable life lessons in addition to gymnastics skills,” said Creer. “We believe she is ready for the challenge.”